Simply Knitting February 2022

Did you know we are one of the few UK knitting magazines 100% committed to sustainability? Our passionate drive to achieve this goal not only governs the paper we source, but the way we present the magazine to you, what we choose to give you as gifts and how the offices we work in are run. Our subscribers receive their magazines inside a paper envelope, and our news-stand readers have recently been enjoying our brightly designed paper wraps, both 100% recyclable. This is part of our push towards absolute sustainability, delivering magazines that can be completely recycled at the kerbside. Gone are the days when we needlessly wrapped our magazines in tricky-to-recycle plastic and offered you gifts filled with, or made solely from non-recyclable plastic elements. As a team we strongly…

TURN TO P12 to see more of this collection’s beautiful designs FANCY FLORALS FOR VALENTINE’S! Kaffe Fassett’s new Rowan collection, ‘Say it with Flowers,’ overflows with motifs and vibrant shades, celebrating all that is glorious about blooms. Knitted in Rowan Felted Tweed, it’s irresistible if you’re a lover of Kaffe’s glorious colourwork, or a gardener who loves to knit! Individual pattern PDFs £4, book £9.49, www.woolwarehouse.co.uk, 0800 505 3300 What I’m loving… With Valentine’s Day around the corner, editor Kirstie McLeod is falling for blush-coloured yarns and hearts Sirdar Funky Fur Heart Cushions Hugs are free when you complete one of these fluffy cushions in a bold bright shade. Heart cushions come in sizes small and large. Digital/paper pattern (8240) £2.75, www.blacksheepwools.com, 01925 764231 McIntosh Yarns in red and blush The newest McIntosh Yarns come in rich shades, including Valentine’s…

COSY KID’S CARDIS Mums know kids can never have enough snuggly clothes! DROPS Edge of the Wood Jacket Keep them snug in this cosy-season favourite, worked top-down with a neat yoke. Pattern free, www.garnstudio.com Matinee Jacket Pattern Inspired by royal babies, this sweet, traditional knit is sure to become a treasured heirloom for years to come. Pattern free on www.gathered.how/matinee-jacket WYS Sandsend Hooded Jacket Pattern This stunning variegated yarn hooded coat pattern is knitted in 100% British wool and is guaranteed to bring warmth to playtime. From pattern book ‘Fleece – Family Collection’ £14.95, www.wyspinners.com, 01535 664500…

2 April ALNMOUTH WOOL FESTIVAL Hindmarsh Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland Run by Sheep Tales, a wool-based group in Northumberland, this event has members who are wool producers and dyers as well as artisans who work with wool to make products and art using various different techniques. Stalls sell fibres and yarns, plus locally handmade items, as well as demonstrate spinning and weaving. Pop over to the Sheep Tales heritage exhibition too. Free entry. For more details, visit www.sheeptales.org 9-10 April SPRING INTO WOOL The Grammar School at Leeds, Harrogate Road, Leeds LS17 8GS Having been cancelled in 2021, this year’s weekend festival promises to be the best yet. With more than 90 exhibitors and loads of free parking, you can go along for a day or buy a ticket for the whole weekend. There’s also a packed programme of…

GET the LOOK Page 19 TAKE ON A CHALLENGE YOU WILL NEED □ West Yorkshire Spinners ColourLab DK (DK weight, 100% wool, 100g/225m) For yarn quantities and measurements see size table □ A 3.25mm circular needle, 40cm long, or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for neck edging and cuffs □ A 3.25mm circular needle, 80cm long for hem □ A 4mm circular needle, 40cm long, or DPNs for top of yoke and sleeves □ A 4mm circular needle, 80cm long for body □ Stitch holders □ Stitch markers TENSION 20 sts and 28 rounds to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4mm needles ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 WHERE TO BUY □ For yarn stockists contact West Yorkshire Spinners on 01535 664500 or www.wyspinners.com OR YOU COULD TRY… □ Wool Warehouse 0800 505 3300 or www.woolwarehouse.com □ Fine Fettle Fibres 01670 600001 or www.finefettlefibres.uk 10% off! Wool Warehouse are offering 10% off WYS ColourLab…

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL NEED □ Paintbox Simply Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/184m), 7 balls in Yarn A Vanilla Cream (207), 1 ball of each Yarn B Buttercup Yellow (222) Yarn D Tea Rose (242) Yarn F Lime Green (228) Yarn G Pure Black (201) □ Stylecraft Special Aran (100% acrylic, 100g/196m), 1 ball of each Yarn C Spice (1711) Yarn E Purple (1840) □ A pair of 4.5mm needles □ A pair of 5mm needles TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over st st using 4.5mm needles MEASUREMENTS Finished blanket 100x130cm Each piece 27cm wide x 26cm high ABBREVIATIONS For a full list see page 95 TOP TIP Want the neatest finish for your blanket? Then make sure you block all of your pieces before you begin construction. This helps even our your intarsia and gives your squares the best shape. WHERE TO BUY □ For Paintbox Yarns…